Before you travel with Disney Cruise Line
Before you set sail on your Disney Cruise Line ship, it's important you know everything you need to do before you depart. Below we have pulled together some useful information for you to read ahead of your trip to ensure you have a stress-free cruise holiday.
In order for Disney Cruise Line to issue your Port Arrival Form and travel documents, you will need to complete My Online Check-In. This can be done online or via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App starting 30 to 40 days prior to your sailing date, depending on your loyalty tier. To ensure your embarkation goes smoothly, please click here to log in and register your details now.
Your digital cruise documentation and Port Arrival Form will be available once your online check-in is complete and approved. To prevent any delays at the port terminal, please ensure all guest information—including travel insurance, emergency contacts, and flight details—is uploaded in advance. Click here to review and complete your information for each passenger in your party.
If a child (aged 17 or under) is travelling with an adult who is not their legal parent or guardian, Disney Cruise Line strictly requires an "Authorisation for Minor to Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian" form. This must be completed, signed by the legal guardian, and presented at the port terminal to prevent denied boarding.
Disney Cruise Line prioritises the well-being of all guests and crew members. They maintain rigorous health and safety measures on board, from advanced air filtration systems to enhanced cleaning protocols across the fleet. It is important to look into these guidelines before you travel so you are fully prepared. Click here to view their latest health and safety protocols.
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is an essential, free tool to use before and during your holiday. At home, use it to complete your online check-in, make payments, and request special dietary requirements. Once on board, it unlocks deck plans, daily schedules, restaurant menus, character greeting times, and a complimentary chat feature to keep you connected with family and friends. Click here to find out more and download the app now.
To recognise the exceptional service you receive on board, Disney Cruise Line automatically adds a recommended gratuity of $16.00 USD per night, per stateroom guest (including infants and children) to your shipboard account. For guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites, the recommended amount is $27.25 USD per night, per guest. These tips are distributed among your dedicated dining room servers and stateroom host.
You have the flexibility to prepay these gratuities before you sail by logging into your account, or you can adjust the amounts at Guest Services at any time during your cruise. Please note that an automatic 18% gratuity is also applied to all bar, beverage, wine, adult-only specialty dining, and spa services.
Disney Cruise Line offers an incredible variety of shore excursions—known as Port Adventures—designed for families, adults, and kids alike. Whether you want to explore history, relax on a private beach, or dive into nature, popular excursions sell out very quickly. We highly recommend booking these via the app or website as soon as your booking window opens to secure your place.
Unlike standard cruise lines, Disney uses a unique Rotational Dining system. You will rotate between three different themed restaurants throughout your cruise, but your dedicated service team and your table number will travel with you every night. You can view your exact dining rotation and table number on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App as soon as you board the ship.
While Disney’s innovative rotational dining is included in your cruise fare, their adult-only Speciality Dining venues (such as Palo and Remy) offer world-class culinary experiences for an additional fee. Because seating is limited and highly sought after, you should log in to your Disney Cruise Line account and book these experiences well ahead of your departure date.
Whenever you want a break from the pool, Disney has a magical lineup of activities waiting for you. From beverage tastings and spa treatments to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and premium character experiences, you can map out your entire holiday in advance. Simply check your booking window, log into "My Plans", and choose the day and time for your preferred activities.
The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line's way of recognising guests who have sailed with them before. You are automatically enrolled as a Silver Member after your very first cruise, unlocking higher tiers (Gold, Platinum, and Pearl) as you complete more sailings. Membership grants you earlier access to booking new cruise itineraries, checking in online, and reserving popular onboard activities and Port Adventures. Click here to find out more.
Have you sorted out your travel insurance yet? Cruise lines require passengers to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes specific cruise cover. Failure to obtain appropriate insurance will result in you being denied boarding by the cruise line. Here is a travel insurance provider that Seascanner highly recommends: https://www.seascanner.co.uk/travel-insurance.
All guests, including children, must present valid passports or acceptable citizenship documentation at port check-in. For international itineraries, Disney Cruise Line requests that you input your passport number into your My Online Check-In account at least 30 to 40 days prior to your vacation. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the end date of your cruise, as required by many international ports of call.
Pre-embarkation health screenings and testing policies are subject to change depending on current local regulations and the destinations you are visiting. Disney Cruise Line will notify booked guests directly of any mandatory testing requirements closer to their sail date. Please check your specific itinerary guidelines under "My Reservations" before heading to the port.
Booking cruise transfers is optional, but if you prefer not to drive to your cruise departure port, or if driving is not an option, opting for a cruise transfer can offer various benefits and conveniences. This service takes you from a specific location, like your home, airport, hotel, train station, or another designated meeting point, directly to the cruise port where your ship is docked, or vice versa.
If you haven't arranged cruise transfers or are considering doing so, find out more about a provider that Seascanner highly recommends here: https://www.seascanner.co.uk/cruise-transfers
